Memory and Aging
Is losing my memory a normal part of aging?
There are changes in memory as people grow older, but most people do not experience memory loss that interferes with their ability to live a normal life. Although older people often worry about getting “senile” when they cannot remember a cousin’s name or where they put an appointment book, most people can improve memory with training and practice. If you often say, “I just can’t remember anymore!” or “My memory has gotten so bad!” you may have given in to the myth that aging and memory loss go hand in hand. In fact, it is the belief in this myth that keeps many people from even trying to remember.
What changes in memory are normal for people to experience as they grow older?
Although there are differences between people in terms of memory, many older people can expect the following changes: It becomes more difficult to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. It takes greater effort to learn something new. It is more difficult to call to mind familiar names and vocabulary words on demand. It takes longer to recall information from long-term memory.
What should I do if I’m worried about my memory?
Keep a record of the kinds of things you’re forgetting and how often you forget. Ask someone close to you if he or she has noticed that you are forgetting more than you used to. Consider whether other things in your life might be affecting your memory such as stress, depression, a recent loss, or a new medication. When you see your doctor, tell him or her about all of these factors.
What is the single most important thing I can do to avoid frustrating memory lapses?
Focus your attention on what you really want to remember. Much of what is called forgetting is a lack of attention. If you become frustrated because you lose your car in the parking lot or often misplace your glasses, make a special effort to pay attention when parking the car or taking off your glasses.
What are some other general strategies to improve my memory?
Cut out distractions. Keep in mind that as you age, you may find it more difficult to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. If you find that you are having trouble remembering what you read, go into a quiet room where you will not be distracted. Give yourself plenty of time. You may find that as you age you need more time to learn new information or recall familiar names or words from long-term memory. For example, when you are going to a new place, spend enough time learning the directions, so that you can avoid looking at your notes in traffic. Take a few more seconds when you want to recall your cousin’s name or the title of a well-loved book. Be organized. The old saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place” is good advice for memory improvement. Make a decision to improve your organizational skills in whatever ways are important to you. If you routinely put your keys, glasses, purse, and bills in the same place, you will not waste time searching for them.
Is there anything I can do to help me recall names when I know I’ll need them?
When you know in advance you will be called upon to remember certain names or information, review this information ahead of time. You will improve your chances of remembering the names of the grandnieces you will be seeing tomorrow or the history of your medical problems when you see your doctor if you review beforehand.
Is there anything I can do to help me recall well-known information when I need it?
When you know that the information you desire is in your memory bank but you can’t quite come up with it, try one of these techniques: Search your memory: Try thinking of related facts that might trigger the information you want. For example, you are trying to remember the name of a favorite show from the early days of television. You think about the fact that it took place in the Old West, that the leading characters were a son and his father played by Chuck Connors. You visualize the father as he appeared with a rifle in his hand, and it comes to you -- “The Rifleman”! Alphabet search: Go through the sounds of the letters of the alphabet from A to Z to see if one will serve as a cue to jog your memory. For example if you are trying to remember the name of the capitol of Florida, the letter T may trigger the name Tallahassee.
How can I avoid worrying about whether I have done what I meant to do?
Many daily tasks are done automatically; we don’t pay much attention to them. To avoid worrying about whether you have locked the door, say out loud to yourself, “I have just locked the door and I don’t have to think about it again.” This technique works well for all routine tasks, such as unplugging the iron or turning off the electric blanket.
As far as memory is concerned, is there anything positive I can expect as I get older?
In tests of knowledge and vocabulary, older adults do as well as or better than younger people. The experiences of a long and rich life produce a wisdom that young people can only hope to obtain. Although it takes greater effort to learn something new, older adults have the wisdom to decide what new information is important to them.
Where can I get more information?
For additional information: Fogler, Janet, and Stern, Lynn: Improving Your Memory: How to Remember What You’re Starting to Forget, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1994. Winker, Margaret: Memory Loss-Should I Be Concerned?, American Geriatrics Society Patient Education Forum, 1998. The Alzheimer’s Association can be reached at 800-272-3900.
This material was developed by Janet Fogler and Lynn Stern, Senior Clinical Social Workers, Turner Geriatic Clinic, University of Michigan Geriatrics Center, 734-764-2556.
U-M Health System Related Sites:
Geriatrics Center
Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
